RosieSweetie

Thank you for this post

I told no one but immediate family, because someone I know that had the sleeve & had this constantly said to her, and behind her back. So instead of having to hear that, I keep hearing "you're shrinking" and "what's your secret?"..first I just laughed it off and answered, we all know the secret- less calories, more exercise..1- 1.5 hrs daily in the gym with a high Protein diet...now I just say, "maybe you're getting bigger?"- this has slowed down some of the rude people.. I agree with other posters- answer a rude comment with a rude comment..also, people that have made rude comments to me are NOT friends- don't feel the need to treat these kinds of people like friends!

I told no one but immediate family, because someone I know that had the sleeve & had this constantly said to her, and behind her back. So instead of having to hear that, I keep hearing "you're shrinking" and "what's your secret?"..first I just laughed it off and answered, we all know the secret- less calories, more exercise..1- 1.5 hrs daily in the gym with a high Protein diet...now I just say, "maybe you're getting bigger?"- this has slowed down some of the rude people.. I agree with other posters- answer a rude comment with a rude comment..also, people that have made rude comments to me are NOT friends- don't feel the need to treat these kinds of people like friends!

Thank you for this post

First, I would like to say, I am not a medical professional. I understand that the VBG is a much different operation than the sleeve. The sleeve works by restriction and reducing grelin.The surgery itself is about an hour. The VBG is not done anymore by most surgeons in my area (I do not think any of the many surgeons I went to do it and my ins only covers lap band, gastric bypass & sleeve), because it is a long surgery and had many complications . I am about 5 wks out from the sleeve and it has been working for me so far. My Dr used a 40 Fr bougie,so I have restriction but I have not had vomiting and I can eat regular food- although there are foods I can not eat yet. (My nutritionist gave me a list of what I can eat, when).There are other foods, like cake and ice cream, that have lost their appeal to me. I am basically on a high Protein diet, and the cravings for sugary foods are gone. At this point. I am no longer waiting to "start my diet tomorrow" or dealing with guilt, because I messed up again. I feel free from "dieting" and feeling hungry, even though I am actually on a long term food plan ("diet" ). For me, at this time, the sleeve has made me feel I can become a normal weight again, it will just take time- but it is not impossible. The sleeve has given me hope. (Before I had it done, I was skeptical -since "the Dr did not operate on my brain", but I was desperate. So I figured, since I didn't want to be the half ton mother, I had to do something. I am much, much happier now. It was definitely worth it for me- but I was ready for change and to make the committment to change my life. As I said, for me - I am not walking around feeling hungry all of the time- it is a tool that is helping me feel satisfied. Good Luck whatever you decide.

I used Dr Silva who is associated with Columbia University Medical Center, (he also works out of Bergen County, NJ.) He is excellent. I had no problems with surgery and he will explain everything. I have also met his associate Dr Beth Schrope who visited me in the hospital, who is also excellent (I have met people that she has done surgery on as well in my support group). Their website is www.obesitymd.org and they have alot of videos and info. (even if you decide not to use them, check out the website). Good luck.(I have United Healthcare and they were covered. By the way, Dr Oz works out of the Columbia University Medical Center, which includes NY Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center)

I am so sorry that you were not prepared as well as ,you should have been. I am 7 mos out-and I have never been happier. My dr required a pre-op psych exam- and I was asked verbally & in writing about depression . I have not had any gastric issues but I have always followed my dr guidelines and he uses a size 40 bougie. My dr required a pre-op high Protein low carb diet, and he told me flat out he would not do the surgery unless I lost some weight and showed commitment. My preop diet was over 5 mos- so I had plenty of time to decide if I wanted the sleeve done or not. My Dr is only in the local office 1 day/wk but he has office hours at another location and he returns phone calls. His office staff is also very responsive, but ultimately, YOU must do this journey yourself. So I think a person NEEDS to understand that you must change your lifestyle.
My surprise was the way some family members and co-workers treat me. Many think they need to be on a diet and many feel very threatened- like I am making them "look bad", instead of understanding and accepting the fact that I am getting healthy for ME. I am also surprised that I feel so at peace with food now- I now find pleasure in many activities that I dreaded when I was MO and I am having a lot more fun now. ( I think it is a much bigger adjustment if you have never been thin- then I think you need extra professional support). You can't unring a bell- but you should get professional support if you are struggling post-op.

I am so sorry that you were not prepared as well as ,you should have been. I am 7 mos out-and I have never been happier. My dr required a pre-op psych exam- and I was asked verbally & in writing about depression . I have not had any gastric issues but I have always followed my dr guidelines and he uses a size 40 bougie. My dr required a pre-op high Protein low carb diet, and he told me flat out he would not do the surgery unless I lost some weight and showed commitment. My preop diet was over 5 mos- so I had plenty of time to decide if I wanted the sleeve done or not. My Dr is only in the local office 1 day/wk but he has office hours at another location and he returns phone calls. His office staff is also very responsive, but ultimately, YOU must do this journey yourself. So I think a person NEEDS to understand that you must change your lifestyle.
My surprise was the way some family members and co-workers treat me. Many think they need to be on a diet and many feel very threatened- like I am making them "look bad", instead of understanding and accepting the fact that I am getting healthy for ME. I am also surprised that I feel so at peace with food now- I now find pleasure in many activities that I dreaded when I was MO and I am having a lot more fun now. ( I think it is a much bigger adjustment if you have never been thin- then I think you need extra professional support). You can't unring a bell- but you should get professional support if you are struggling post-op.

Thanks for your post-it's important to think about these issues. I really appreciate that you took the time and effort to write this post.

Great NSVs! It's always great to have something unexpected happen which makes you feel wonderful . Here are some of mine,
-getting in the car, after my slim daughter drove it, and fitting without having to move the seat (I used to have to move the seat before I could even get into the car!)
-being able to fit in a student desk (I am a high school teacher)
-going to a restaurant and ME being able to choose to sit in either a table or booth
-putting my seat belt on and thinking "wow- this is pretty long now" -no more seat belt extenders
-seeing a dress in BJs and buying it without trying it on- when I got it home, it not only fit but it actually looked good!
-going on vacation and realizing that I no longer have to panic if my luggage gets Iost since I can now shop anywhere)
-being EXCITED about getting dressed for my husband's business parties because I have a cute dress to wear and I am actually PROUD of the way I look!
- feeling my collar bones!
-wearing a necklace without an extender !
-stepping on a scale at the regular Dr.s office and being congratulated -not scolded- about the number
I was a size 28 or 30 dress- now I am a 14. (EVERY 14 actually fits now!). (btw I was sleeved 12/11 but I also was on a high Protein diet for many mos. pre-op)
The sleeve is the BEST thing I ever did for me. It has forced me to take care of myself and put myself first.-which has made me happier, and those around me happier!I have more energy to take better care of my family.

Great NSVs! It's always great to have something unexpected happen which makes you feel wonderful . Here are some of mine,
-getting in the car, after my slim daughter drove it, and fitting without having to move the seat (I used to have to move the seat before I could even get into the car!)
-being able to fit in a student desk (I am a high school teacher)
-going to a restaurant and ME being able to choose to sit in either a table or booth
-putting my seat belt on and thinking "wow- this is pretty long now" -no more seat belt extenders
-seeing a dress in BJs and buying it without trying it on- when I got it home, it not only fit but it actually looked good!
-going on vacation and realizing that I no longer have to panic if my luggage gets Iost since I can now shop anywhere)
-being EXCITED about getting dressed for my husband's business parties because I have a cute dress to wear and I am actually PROUD of the way I look!
- feeling my collar bones!
-wearing a necklace without an extender !
-stepping on a scale at the regular Dr.s office and being congratulated -not scolded- about the number
I was a size 28 or 30 dress- now I am a 14. (EVERY 14 actually fits now!). (btw I was sleeved 12/11 but I also was on a high Protein diet for many mos. pre-op)
The sleeve is the BEST thing I ever did for me. It has forced me to take care of myself and put myself first.-which has made me happier, and those around me happier!I have more energy to take better care of my family.

Great NSVs! It's always great to have something unexpected happen which makes you feel wonderful . Here are some of mine,
-getting in the car, after my slim daughter drove it, and fitting without having to move the seat (I used to have to move the seat before I could even get into the car!)
-being able to fit in a student desk (I am a high school teacher)
-going to a restaurant and ME being able to choose to sit in either a table or booth
-putting my seat belt on and thinking "wow- this is pretty long now" -no more seat belt extenders
-seeing a dress in BJs and buying it without trying it on- when I got it home, it not only fit but it actually looked good!
-going on vacation and realizing that I no longer have to panic if my luggage gets Iost since I can now shop anywhere)
-being EXCITED about getting dressed for my husband's business parties because I have a cute dress to wear and I am actually PROUD of the way I look!
- feeling my collar bones!
-wearing a necklace without an extender !
-stepping on a scale at the regular Dr.s office and being congratulated -not scolded- about the number
I was a size 28 or 30 dress- now I am a 14. (EVERY 14 actually fits now!). (btw I was sleeved 12/11 but I also was on a high Protein diet for many mos. pre-op)
The sleeve is the BEST thing I ever did for me. It has forced me to take care of myself and put myself first.-which has made me happier, and those around me happier!I have more energy to take better care of my family.

My husband is pretty good, although he has said a stupid thing (or 2 or 3...)(I will be married 30 yrs this yr). The first time he talked disrespectful to me, I was shocked and took it. Then I started taking different approaches like I say to him "Let me get this right, that's how you talk to YOUR WIFE, the ONLY one that truly loves you, no matter YOUR shortcomings? Or You are talking to me like I am a piece of S**T?" How would you like it if I spoke to you like that? OR I'm glad your so perfect and then I point out one of his shortcomings, Or "I may be fat, but I can change. I guess you are just nasty. Maybe you should work on that". Or I have also snapped back "WTF you Jacka**". I find though if you curse too much it loses its effectiveness. I have also said, "How would you like it if someone talked to YOUR daughter like that? Your daughter hears you, and she is going to think this bulls**t is ok. How would you like to get a call from her, at 2 am, crying that her husband treated her this way? (This I found particularly effective). Vary your response, because I think you need to catch him off guard to be effective. Just make sure you respond EVERYTIME he asks like a fool. Anyone who has been married long enough has put up with some stupidity- you are NOT alone! Good luck.

I hate to say this, but this is just the beginning. I am about 4 mos out and I did not tell anyone. Well, just about everyday for 4mos co-workers, neighbors, etc have questioned me and commented. I had one boss, call me in, close the door and begin to interrogate me, starting with, Did you have gastric bypass? I of course said no (I had the sleeve). Then : You did have surgery, what kind? me: "I 'd rather not say..I don't want to discuss it. " Then, I told the truth, "high Protein, low carb, daily exercise, needed to change for my health", and finished with, "I thinking what you are really asking is why I am motivated or how can you be motivated..The answer is, you need to be ready". There are many nosey people who don't have a life..someone else I know, made it common knowledge he had the sleeve..they are still making comments, watching what he is eating, etc..so whether you say or not, same BS (People used to have manners and not ask personal stuff, but those days are gone. Good luck, and get put your "thick skin" on

You comments sound very judgemental to me. Work is work, home is home. When I have had ANY surgery, I did not feel "ashamed" if I did not tell people, like coworkers. I did not feel the need to make "announcements" or to feel "proud", either. Why would I need to announce my personal medical history to strangers? I certainly do not need "support" from strangers.
I am not a walking billboard for vsg. If I were a paid spokesperson, then if would be a different story. Most people know about the surgery. For those considering it, there are many resources- all of the surgeons in this area give free, informational seminars, and there are many discussions on the internet. I should not feel guilt or shame because I do not want to discuss my personal health. You should "live and let live."
Lastly, you did not say whether you had the surgery or not, but just give it some time. Some people who seem supportive now may not be when you are thinner than them. If you check out other VSG forums, you will see MANY people who have regretted their decision to tell- but then its to late.

You comments sound very judgemental to me. Work is work, home is home. When I have had ANY surgery, I did not feel "ashamed" if I did not tell people, like coworkers. I did not feel the need to make "announcements" or to feel "proud", either. Why would I need to announce my personal medical history to strangers? I certainly do not need "support" from strangers.
I am not a walking billboard for vsg. If I were a paid spokesperson, then if would be a different story. Most people know about the surgery. For those considering it, there are many resources- all of the surgeons in this area give free, informational seminars, and there are many discussions on the internet. I should not feel guilt or shame because I do not want to discuss my personal health. You should "live and let live."
Lastly, you did not say whether you had the surgery or not, but just give it some time. Some people who seem supportive now may not be when you are thinner than them. If you check out other VSG forums, you will see MANY people who have regretted their decision to tell- but then its to late.

You comments sound very judgemental to me. Work is work, home is home. When I have had ANY surgery, I did not feel "ashamed" if I did not tell people, like coworkers. I did not feel the need to make "announcements" or to feel "proud", either. Why would I need to announce my personal medical history to strangers? I certainly do not need "support" from strangers.
I am not a walking billboard for vsg. If I were a paid spokesperson, then if would be a different story. Most people know about the surgery. For those considering it, there are many resources- all of the surgeons in this area give free, informational seminars, and there are many discussions on the internet. I should not feel guilt or shame because I do not want to discuss my personal health. You should "live and let live."
Lastly, you did not say whether you had the surgery or not, but just give it some time. Some people who seem supportive now may not be when you are thinner than them. If you check out other VSG forums, you will see MANY people who have regretted their decision to tell- but then its to late.

alot of people think that we have choose the easy way by having sleeve
they dont feel our pain , our struggle

I am proud of my decision but for me it is a private matter. I do not care to share it with people because frankly I do not feel it is any of their business. It is a private struggle for me because most of the people in my family are not over weight and they do not understand what I have gone through. It is like a non smoker saying to smokers you could just quit if you really wanted to. Addiction is not that easy to just quit. This is the same scenario but with food. I just do not want to hear the comments and the remarks like I had to cheat to lose weight. I want to be proud of myself without defending it all the time. I hope this makes sense.

http://www.wlshelp.c...ve-gastrectomy/
I was reading some Pub Med articles on the sleeve and I found one on a conference that was held in Florida which was recently published. At the conference 25 international bariatric surgeons were questioned about Best Practices for the sleeve. These 25 drs were identified with the most experience performing VSG (about 13,000 patients among them) The above is a link to an article that is easier to understand that is a summary of the information gathered from these surgeons at this conference. Among the highlights discussed are bougie size, complications, etc. For example, 100% of them agreed that patients should not have solid food for the first 2 weeks.
You can read the abstract and the full original article if you click on the link below
http://www.soard.org...0764-7/abstract
which is the official journal for the American Society for Metabolc and Bariatric surgery

http://www.wlshelp.c...ve-gastrectomy/
I was reading some Pub Med articles on the sleeve and I found one on a conference that was held in Florida which was recently published. At the conference 25 international bariatric surgeons were questioned about Best Practices for the sleeve. These 25 drs were identified with the most experience performing VSG (about 13,000 patients among them) The above is a link to an article that is easier to understand that is a summary of the information gathered from these surgeons at this conference. Among the highlights discussed are bougie size, complications, etc. For example, 100% of them agreed that patients should not have solid food for the first 2 weeks.
You can read the abstract and the full original article if you click on the link below
http://www.soard.org...0764-7/abstract
which is the official journal for the American Society for Metabolc and Bariatric surgery

http://www.wlshelp.c...ve-gastrectomy/
I was reading some Pub Med articles on the sleeve and I found one on a conference that was held in Florida which was recently published. At the conference 25 international bariatric surgeons were questioned about Best Practices for the sleeve. These 25 drs were identified with the most experience performing VSG (about 13,000 patients among them) The above is a link to an article that is easier to understand that is a summary of the information gathered from these surgeons at this conference. Among the highlights discussed are bougie size, complications, etc. For example, 100% of them agreed that patients should not have solid food for the first 2 weeks.
You can read the abstract and the full original article if you click on the link below
http://www.soard.org...0764-7/abstract
which is the official journal for the American Society for Metabolc and Bariatric surgery

Good luck to all of you tomorrow. Just think tomorrow at this time, you will be done with surgery and resting, (and starting your new journey) :smile1:

I understand how some people are very determined to reach a specific goal (and are willing to do whatever it takes) and there are others who are only willing to make some "sacrifices". Years ago when I went to Overeaters Anonymous, I was struck by some of the really tragic stories I heard and I thought, "boy, this person thinks they are a failure for coping with food and being fat? I think they are so brave and courageous just for getting up in the morning and getting through life. Its amazing that person is a food addict and not a hard core drug addict, and totally avoiding life". Weight issues have many, many facets. Today I think, "yes, I want to reach goal and I'm willing to exercise just about every day and always eat right. But realistically, will I "fall off the wagon" if I face an immense personal issue? Maybe, maybe not. I am trying to give up my old ways of coping with food- with other activities , exercise, creative activities, building a larger support network, etc. Getting sleeved is such a personal journey- not just an endpoint of a goal weight. I have been at a "goal weight" many times, and swore I would "never" gain the weight back- but I did. This time, I want to use my "tool" and live. ANY weight I lose will make me healthier. I think we need to be kind to others, especially our obese peers- there is enough discrimination out there. I do not need to boss someone else around, and tell them what their goal weight should or shouldn't be. Just because someone expresses a shortcoming, doesn't mean they want you to fix it. Maybe that person just needs to think aloud or maybehe/she is just looking for support.(Remember, there may also be medical or emotional issues why a person can never reach a particular goal- that they may not even be aware of).

My husband is pretty good, although he has said a stupid thing (or 2 or 3...)(I will be married 30 yrs this yr). The first time he talked disrespectful to me, I was shocked and took it. Then I started taking different approaches like I say to him "Let me get this right, that's how you talk to YOUR WIFE, the ONLY one that truly loves you, no matter YOUR shortcomings? Or You are talking to me like I am a piece of S**T?" How would you like it if I spoke to you like that? OR I'm glad your so perfect and then I point out one of his shortcomings, Or "I may be fat, but I can change. I guess you are just nasty. Maybe you should work on that". Or I have also snapped back "WTF you Jacka**". I find though if you curse too much it loses its effectiveness. I have also said, "How would you like it if someone talked to YOUR daughter like that? Your daughter hears you, and she is going to think this bulls**t is ok. How would you like to get a call from her, at 2 am, crying that her husband treated her this way? (This I found particularly effective). Vary your response, because I think you need to catch him off guard to be effective. Just make sure you respond EVERYTIME he asks like a fool. Anyone who has been married long enough has put up with some stupidity- you are NOT alone! Good luck.